On May 2 approximately 56 motorcyclists, most members of a network of supporters of National Motorcycle Clubs of Warriors Watch and The Black Sheep Harley Davidson for Christ, left the parking lot of Bethany Church in Wescosville, a sponsor, on their eighth annual Ride for Freedom.

Pastor Jim Broshear of Bethany Church offered a prayer before the riders left to visit three families in the Lehigh Valley. Each family visited received a blue star to display and a letter with information about contacting the network if in need.

David Rider of the Warriors' Watch Riders led this year's ride. Also riding was Pastor Jed Smurda of the Black Sheep Harley Davidson for Christ. The motorcycle clubs joined the Ride for Freedom for the first time this year.

Warriors' Watch is a group, not necessarily motorcyclists, who supports military troops and their families and veterans. Some Warriors' Watch members are Vietnam Vets and they have been asked to reach out to over 100 veterans or military personnel returning home, Rider said. The club motto is "We have your backs here at home."

The Black Sheep Harley Davidson for Christ is a motorcycle club ministry of women and men who ride to spread the Good News to motorcyclists. Their motto is, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."

The Black Sheep and the Warriors' Watch joined the Ride for Freedom with hopes of reaching veterans and families who have a family member deployed and are in need of help. Club organizers want more veterans and families to know they can receive the help they need, Smurda, a member of the Black Sheep, said. Club members have a lot of connections including business owners willing to pledge aid to help local military families.

Also, when they know someone is leaving to serve in the military, the motorcycle club provides a send-off. When the soldier returns home, club members give the returning service member a welcome home. While a soldier is deployed, if their families need help they only need to ask and help will be given by those in the network who can meet the need.

If a veteran needs help, the veteran will receive help.

Club members want more military families and veterans to know help is there when they need it. They are all volunteers and a pure grass-roots ministry. Everything goes to the soldiers and their families and they ask nothing in return.

"The hardest group to get to is the military families. We want to reach out to the military families who have loved ones overseas. We want to show them how much we appreciate them and their families," Smurda said.

Club members have received phone calls. This past winter a veteran in a wheelchair who heated his house with firewood was snowed in and was getting low on wood. He ordered more wood and when it was delivered it was dumped too far away from his house for him to bring the wood inside. He needed someone to bring the wood in and called for help. The wood was brought in for him. In another situation, a request came in from a family who needed to have their car fixed. Someone was sent to repair the car. "We would love more requests for assistance," Smurda said.

Following the ride there was a pig roast for the riders and volunteers.

To learn more go to facebook,com/rideforfreedom.lehigh